Puncture Resistant Gumwall Tires -- Do They Exist?...
 

I would like to put new, but traditional-looking tires on several vintage bikes. However, it seems that such tires, even if available in the desired size, do not offer the best puncture resistance protection and/or general performance. Is this really the case, or am I just not looking in the right places (or misinterpreting product descriptions)?

For example, 27 x 1 1/4" tires for French road bikes: The only gumwall tires that seem to exist in this size are the Michelin World Tour, but I have read that their performance is inferior. And I cannot find any definitive info regarding whether they are puncture resistant. Is there another traditional choice? Everyone seems to suggest the Continental GatorSkins or the Scwalbe Marathons, but I was really, really hoping to find something with a more traditional look.

Same goes for 26" and 28" tires for Raleigh 3-speeds: any puncture-resistant gumwalls out there?...

Thanks in advance!

The 27x1 1/4 Panaracer Pasela Tour Guards are puncture resistant and have a gum wall.

They run a bit large though, so if your frame doesn't have a lot of clearance you might want to order a smaller size.

The Paselas don't have a true gum wall like the Michelins, but they sort of resemble a gum wall.

Thanks, the Panaracer Pasela do look like an attractive compromise. For the 27 x 1 1/4", are they as fast as the Continental?

+1 These are excellent tires. I've ridden them for two years now with only one flat from a sharp staple that I think would have punctured anything.

The Pasela is a skinwall. It's faster than a gumwall (not that that includes the Conti.) You do have to protect the sidewall from abrasion though.

Thanks again for the advice. I got the Panaracer Pasela Tour Guards and they are super!

Just curious, where did you purchase them and what was the price?

They were $24.95 at Harris Cyclery in the Boston, Mass. area. I purchase most of my bike parts and accessories there, unless they don't have it or the price online is radically different.

I just put Mr. Tuffies inside my tires. They've worked so far. And if your tire wears out or you do have to replace the tire for whatever reason, you can get a cheap tire and just move the Mr. Tuffy over ot the new tire. A lot more economical than paying for puncture resistance on every tire you buy.

Exactly what I came into the thread thinking.

Yes, the 1-1/8 width in Paselas is about the same as other 1-1/4s.

Thanks, that is good to know!

Hmm... I am 99% sure that I actually got the 1 1/4" installed on my bike. I will double-check and get back on that.

BTW, you can kind of see here what the tires look like, though the amber walls are darker in real life than they appear on the photo:

http://queenmargot.com/velovelo/MarianneJuly2.jpg

Nice bike! and a lovely bouquet of flowers as well.

Indeed - on my '84 Motobecane the 1 1/4's rubbed the FD. I got them to clear on my room mates mid-80's Raleigh Technium 440, but only after removing the reflector mounts that ran under the brakes.